Modular building connector system

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates in general to a prefabricated mode of constructing a building but more particularly to a modular building connector system utilizing the use of connectors comprising of different types for various usage such as for connecting columns, beams, wall panels and floor slabs.  
     Said connectors are adapted to be attached at predetermined space of prefabricated columns, beams, and panels providing therefore an easy to assemble and disassemble modular building.

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] “Not applicable”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] “Not applicable”

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] “Not applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This new invention is about the system of prefab construction, and is more particularly described as the modular building connector system. The connectors are used to inter-link building parts for easy assembling and disassembling of columns, beams, panels, floor slabs, stairs, fences, and the likes.

[0005] The typical system of construction is one by which buildings are constructed on site, using steel reinforced concrete and hollow blocks. Though widely accepted, this system is complicated and requires highly skilled labor in the erection of horizontal and vertical structures. Furthermore, it uses excessive mortar or cement materials between parts and between the joints of hollow blocks.

[0006] With the present invention, the building or the whole structure can be assemble by means of concrete connectors and the whole building can also be relocated, meaning it can be disassembled and then reassembled. The other advantage is that it allows for expansion, that is, by this system, there is no problem in adding additional floors. And for one thing, it is capable of being integrated into the prefab construction system, specially in the mass production of standard units in factories where there are quality control procedures, thus achieving products free from defects and unaffected by weather conditions. It also allows construction time to be shortened, and since it does not require highly skilled labor, it achieves cost economy.

[0007] In the final analysis, the system makes for an improved system of construction while addressing the fundamental concerns about cost, efficiency, time span, and other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] As discussed above, this new invention is a breakthrough in the construction industry, the general purpose of which being to provide a solution to its existing problems, while providing many advantages and eliminating several disadvantages.

[0009] Broadly outlined are the important features of the invention, which allow for a better understanding of the detailed description and better appreciation of the invention's contribution to the construction industry. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited in its application by the designs and arrangement illustrated or detailed here, as it is capable of being designed similarly and integrate with other parts and different embodiments. The phraseology and terminology employed here are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Those who are knowledgeable in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which these disclosures are based may be utilized as basis for designing different connectors under different methods, arrangements and system. Such being the case, it is important that the claim for this invention be regarded as including equivalent modular building connector systems that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0010] The main objective therefore of this new invention is to provide a new idea and a breakthrough in the building system that utilized interconnection of concrete structural components which are fixed on connectors for easy assembling and disassembling. The said structural components may be columns, beams, panels, floor slabs, stairs, fences and the likes.

[0011] One objective of this invention is to provide a modular building system, which is relocatable, because it can be disassembled and then reassembled. The other objective is to provide a system which is expandable in order to allow for expansion and addition of extra floors.

[0012] Still, another objective is to integrate the use of prefab and pre-cast systems. With the following advantages: mass production of standard units, savings in terms of shortened construction time, savings in terms of labor cost, may use unskilled labor, better quality and stronger concrete, and freedom from defects and from being affected by weather.

[0013] These objectives, along with the various flexibility features, which characterized the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure.

[0014] The concrete connector consist a generally rectangular steel body serving as main connectors. The said connectors are provided with windows and holes, which are distributed along its length, where bolts and nuts can be inserted for connection. This connector includes flanges where the anchor studs are fixed so that the connector can be joined together with reinforced steel bars and then cast into concrete in setting up to produce modular building components. The connectors are fixed to the building components to be connected to other building components, which are also fixed on connectors.

[0015] The concrete connectors integrate a specially designed, building components such as columns and beams exclusively for its own use. This building components is designed with double rabbet joints particularly for the purpose of integrating it to the connector system in order to achieve its objectives.

[0016] For better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objectives attained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matters which illustrate the detailed description of the invention

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The preferred embodiment of the invention described in the following and makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention for a modular building connector system.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a prefab column A shown with connectors attached on its ends.

[0020]FIG. 3 is an exploded partial perspective view of the lower end portion of FIG. 2.

[0021]FIG. 4 is another perspective view of a prefab column AA shown with connectors attached thereto.

[0022]FIG. 5 is an exploded partial perspective view of the lower end portion of FIG. 4.

[0023]FIG. 6 is an exploded partial perspective view of the upper end portion of FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a horizontal column B or beam shown with connectors attached its end.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the male double rabbet connector shown detached from the horizontal precast column B or beam; and

[0026]FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention connectors for linking.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Referring now to the drawings in detail, there is shown in FIG. 1 the present invention for a modular building connector system generally designated as reference number 10, wherein same reference designate same parts throughout

[0028] Said modular building connector system 10 comprising of horizontal and vertical precast or prefabricated column using various connector adapted or attached thereof.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, a vertical precast concrete column A is provided with a female double rabbet connector 12 securedly disposed at the lower end of the said column A.

[0030] Said female double rabbet connector 12 having a stair like configuration is provided with a plurality of spacedly disposed apertures 13 found on the opposed sides thereof.

[0031] Said column A which has footing configured similarly to the female double rabbet connector 12 in such a way to accommodate a secure attachment of said connector 12.

[0032] In FIG. 8, there is shown a male double rabbet connector 14 having a stair like configuration is also provided with a plurality of spacedly disposed apertures 13A found on the opposed sides thereof. Said male double rabbet connector 14 generally secured to the end portion of the precast horizontal column B or beam {FIG. 7} can be mated to the female double rabbet connector 12 disposed on the upstanding precast column A. The connection is made sturdy and secured by inserting on the corresponding apertures 13 and 13A any suitable securing means but preferably of bolts inserted thereto.

[0033] It is to be noted that the end portion of the present horizontal column B or beam is configured similar to the male double rabbet connector 14 in such a way to accommodate a secure attachment of the said connector 14 thereof.

[0034] L-shaped corbel connector 15 and the corner corbel connector 16 are both provided with a plurality of apertures 13B and 13C proximate to its upper edge and is secured to the topmost portion of the upstanding precast column A and column AA, providing a constructional feature that will allow installing additional upstanding and horizontal precast or prefabricated columns and beans for multi-leveling.

[0035] A corner connector 16A having a generally square body with flanging upper side portion is secured at the bottom portion of precast column AA.

[0036] An extending connector 15A having a generally U-shaped rectangular body with flanged upper side portions is also secured side by side with the corner connector 16A underneath the precast column AA providing thereby a constructional feature that will allow engagement and securement with the connectors found on the topmost portion of column A and column AA.

[0037] This type of set-up allows another type female rabbet connector 17 having a two-step stair like configuration is secured at the lower end of another upstanding precast column AA to be installed and secured to the top portion of said L-shaped corbel connector 15 and the corner connector 16.

[0038] Said column AA having a footing configured similar to the female rabbet connector 17 in such a way to accommodate a secure attachment with the connector 17.

[0039] The female rabbet connector 17 is configured in a way that it can also be mated with the male double rabbet connector 14 secured at the end portion of horizontal precast column B and is also secured by means of bolts since said female rabbet connector 17 is also provided with a plurality of apertures 13D disposed proximate to its upper edge.

[0040] Said set-up and interconnection are repeated as the desired level is achieved.

[0041] The male double rabbet connector 14, female double rabbet connector 12, female rabbet connector 17, L-shaped corbel connector 15, corner corbel connector 16, corner connector 16A, and extending connector 15A are all provided with a number of spacedly arranged guide bars 28 on the middle portion thereof serving as a guide for the assembly and a lock using its weight to help the connectors keep the structure in its proper place.

[0042] Furthermore, the male double rabbet connector 14, female double rabbet connector 12, female rabbet connector 17, L-shaped corbel connector 15, corner corbel connector 16, corner connector 16A, and extending connector 15A are all provided with a number of spacedly arranged anchor studs 27 on either the sides, top, lower, or rear portion thereof to secure attachment wherein concrete casting is done.

[0043] Another embodiment of the present invention are the connectors used for linking wall panel to the horizontal beam and to the upstanding precast column, floor slabs to the horizontal beam and door jambs to either upstanding or horizontal precast columns.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 9, there is a linking connectors comprising of an upper connector 18, a lower connectors 19 and a sliding accessory bar 20.

[0045] Said upper connector 18 having a generally rectangular body with extended upper front 21 and extended lower rear portion 22 is provided with a double bar central body 23 wherein a predetermined spaced is provided thereto allowing the accessory bar to slide thereto.

[0046] Said upper connector 18 is provided with a number of apertures 13E spacedly disposed underneath the double bar central body 23.

[0047] The lower connector 19 having a generally T-shaped body is provided with a number of apertures 13F spacedly disposed on its perpendicular side.

[0048] A sliding accessory bar 20 having a generally rectangular flat body is provided also with a number of spacedly disposed threaded apertures 13G.

[0049] The above mentioned connectors 18 and 19 except for the sliding accessory bar 20 is provided with spacedly arranged anchor studs 27 on its sides wherein concrete casting is made providing thereby a sturdy attachment to the desired beam or panel.

[0050] The said connectors 18 and 19 are interchangeably attached to either the panel or the column and is secured to each other by inserting the accessory bar through the space provided in the connector 18 and bolted together with the lower connector 19.

[0051] The sliding accessory bar 20 is made in such a way that there will be room for adjustment. 

I claim:
 1. A female double rabbet connector having a stair like configuration is provided with a plurality of spacedly disposed apertures on its upper sides and can be securedly attached to the footing of column A wherein said footing is configured similarly to the said female double rabbet connector.
 2. A male double rabbet connector having a stair like configuration is provided with a plurality if spacedly disposed threaded apertures on its side and can be secured to the end portion of horizontal column B or beam wherein said end portion of the horizontal column B or beam is configured similar to the male double rabbet connector.
 3. A female rabbet connector as claimed in claim 1 having a two-step configuration can be secured to the footing of column AA wherein the footing of said column AA is configured similar to the said female rabbet connector.
 4. An L-shaped corbel connector and a corner corbel connector being provided with a plurality of apertures disposed proximate to its upper edges is secured to the topmost portion of an upstanding column A and column AA, wherein said column A and column AA having a number of extended sides to provide a constructional feature that will allow a secure attachment of said L-shaped corbel connector and a corner corbel connector.
 5. A corner connector having a generally square body with flange upper side portion secured at the bottom portion of precast column AA, said corner connector is provided with a plurality of spacedly arranged threaded apertures on its perpendicular side.
 6. An extending connector having a generally U-shaped rectangular body with flanged upper side portions is secured side by side with the corner connector underneath the precast column AA, said extending connector is provided with a plurality of spacedly arranged threaded apertures found on the opposed sides.
 7. A linking connectors comprising of: a) an upper connector having a generally rectangular body with extending upper front and lower rear end portion with a double bar central portion wherein a predetermined space is provided in between thereof said upper connector is provided with a plurality of spacedly arranged apertures found on the lower portion of the double bar; b) a lower connector having a generally T-shaped body being provided with a number of spacedly disposed apertures on its perpendicular side; and c) an accessory sliding bar having a generally rectangular flat body provided with a number of spacedly disposed threaded apertures thereof.
 8. A lower connector as claimed in claim 7 wherein any of the side of the T-shaped body can be provided with apertures and said any sides can be thicker than the other sides.
 9. A column having a generally rectangular body having a number of extended sides with stair like configuration footing and a number of extended upper sides providing a constructional feature that will allow attachment of the various connectors.
 10. A beam having a generally rectangular body having an end portion configured similar to the male double rabbet connector allowing thereto attachment of the said male double rabbet connector and capable of attaching said beam to the connectors of column A and column AA. 